Free Builder Work Order Generator — Australia
Create a professional work order tailored for builder businesses in Australia. Create work orders to authorise and track jobs or maintenance tasks.
Create Your Work Order Now →Common Work Order Line Items for Builders
Here are typical items you might include on a builder work order:
| Description | Unit |
|---|---|
| Labour — carpenter | hour |
| Labour — labourer | hour |
| Concrete supply and pour | m³ |
| Timber framing | lot |
| Roofing materials and install | m² |
| Scaffolding hire | week |
| Skip bin hire | each |
| Site supervision | day |
Typical Builder Pricing in Australia
Rates vary by state and job complexity, but these are the kinds of ranges builders commonly charge:
| Item | Typical range |
|---|---|
| Labour — carpenter | $70–$110 per hour |
| Concrete supply and pour | $180–$300 per m³ |
| Roofing materials and install | $60–$150 per m² |
| Scaffolding hire | $150–$400 per week |
| Skip bin hire | $300–$700 per bin |
Compliance Tips for Builders
- State building licence number must appear on contracts and invoices.
- Home building compensation (HBC) insurance is required for residential work over the relevant state threshold.
- GST registration is mandatory at $75,000 turnover.
- Taxable payments annual report (TPAR) must be lodged if you pay subcontractors for building services.
How to Create a Builder Work Order
Follow these steps to put together a builder work order with our free generator:
- Enter the job details, site address, and the personnel assigned to complete the work.
- List required materials and tasks as line items so scope is clear before work begins.
- Add the expected timeline and any special instructions (access, safety, client preferences).
- Download the work order as a PDF for the assigned team to take on-site.
What to Include on a Builder Work Order
A builder work order should cover these fields, plus a few billing norms specific to how builders typically operate in Australia.
Fields to include
- Job scope and location: Describe exactly what work is authorised and where, to avoid disputes about what was included.
- Assigned personnel: Naming who is responsible keeps accountability clear, especially for multi-person jobs.
- Materials and timeline: List required materials and an expected completion date so the job can be tracked against plan.
How Builders typically bill
- Larger builds are billed via progress payments at agreed milestones (e.g. slab, frame, lock-up, completion), each with its own tax invoice.
- Quotes are broken into sections (demolition, structural, fit-out, finishes) so clients can see cost allocation clearly.
- A variations clause is standard, since unexpected site conditions are common in construction.
- Subcontractor and supplier purchase orders are kept on file to reconcile against progress claims.
Builders must show their state licence number and ABN on invoices and quotes, register for GST at $75,000 turnover, and lodge a Taxable Payments Annual Report for any payments made to subcontractors.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Watch out for these common errors when preparing a builder work order:
- Starting work before the order is approved, which can leave you unpaid if the client disputes the scope.
- Leaving the timeline open-ended, making it hard to flag delays or hold anyone accountable.
Frequently asked questions
What are progress payments and how should a builder invoice them?
Progress payments are partial payments made at defined project milestones (e.g., slab, frame, lock-up, completion). Issue a separate tax invoice at each milestone referencing the stage and contract amount.
Does a builder need to be licensed to invoice?
In most states, builders must hold a current licence to carry out residential building work over a certain value. The licence number should appear on all invoices and contracts.
How should a builder handle variations?
Document every variation with a written instruction, revised quote, and client approval before starting the extra work. Invoice variations separately or as a clearly labelled line item on the next progress claim.
What should a work order include?
A work order should include: job description, location, assigned personnel, required materials, timeline, special instructions, and approval signatures.
Who authorises a work order?
For a small business this is usually the owner or job manager; for larger operations it is often a supervisor with budget authority, since the work order commits labour and materials before the job starts.
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